Aqib Talib has come a long way since being traded to the Patriots at the deadline last year.

This year was maybe one of the best of Talib's career, as he routinely shut down top receivers such as Vincent Jackson, Julio Jones and even tight ends like Jimmy Graham.

Over the course of the first half of the season, he was playing the best of any cornerback in the league, he was the team's MVP. Then he got injured.

Still, he bounced back, fought through his hip ailments and still put together a hell of a year. It earned him a Pro Bowl trip (that he declined because of injury) and it's earned him the respect of his peers. That includes the outspoken Seahawks corner, Richard Sherman.

Richard Sherman lists the best cornerbacks in the NFL and mentions Aqib Talib.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 30, 2014

Of course, Sherman's personal rankings mean very little in the grand scheme of things, but it is indicative of the fact that Talib is becoming a nationally recognized star and is widely regarded at one of the best at his craft. In other words, that price tag is only going up.

The Patriots saw what happens to their defense when Talib isn't there in the AFC championship game. Here's to hoping he's back next year..